Photovoltaic and thermal energy system providing visible light transmission and methods of use

Abstract

A building integrated photovoltaic and thermal energy system is disclosed. The system includes photovoltaic panels integrated into glass structures that may replace existing designs of skylights, atrium windows, building facades, and other applicable structures while converting sunlight to electricity. The system also includes a thermal energy system configured with the photovoltaic system to convert sunlight to thermal energy. The integration of the system into building structures provides an aesthetically pleasing structure while generating required power.

1 . A power generating system comprising:
 a sheet structure comprising a first layer and a second layer, an upper surface of the first layer defining a top of the sheet structure and a lower surface of the second layer defining a bottom of the sheet structure, the first and second layers generally aligned and overlapping;   a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured between the first and second layers, each one of the plurality of photovoltaic cells separated from an adjacent one of the photovoltaic cells by one or more gaps, wherein the gaps provide a pathway for visible light incident upon the top of the sheet structure to pass through the bottom of the sheet structure; and   a frame coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the sheet structure and adapted to secure the sheet structure to a building structure;   wherein the visible light transmission of the sheet structure is 5% to 95%.   
     
     
         2 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the visible light transmission of the sheet structure is 7% to 50%. 
     
     
         3 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the gaps are 1.0″-12.0″. 
     
     
         4 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the gaps are 1.0″-6.0″. 
     
     
         5 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the first layer and the second layer are transparent. 
     
     
         6 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the building structure includes at least one of a skylight, a façade, an atrium, a window, a portion of a roof, and a shade. 
     
     
         7 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells are encapsulated between the first and second layers. 
     
     
         8 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the building structure includes at least one of a skylight, a façade, an atrium, a window, a portion of a roof, and a shade. 
     
     
         9 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells are encapsulated between the first and second layers. 
     
     
         10 . The power generating system of  claim 1  further comprising a thermal energy collection system including a thermal tubing structure configured to circulate a liquid, and a heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the liquid. 
     
     
         11 . The power generating system of  claim 10  wherein the thermal energy collection system is configured beneath the bottom of the sheet structure, and wherein light transmission through the sheet structure heats the liquid. 
     
     
         12 . A power generating system comprising:
 a sheet structure comprising a first layer and a second layer, an upper surface of the first layer defining a top of the sheet structure and a lower surface of the second layer defining a bottom of the sheet structure, the first and second layers generally aligned and overlapping;   a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured between the first and second layers, each one of the plurality of photovoltaic cells separated from an adjacent one of the photovoltaic cells by one or more gaps, wherein the gaps provide a pathway for visible light incident upon the top of the sheet structure to pass through the bottom of the sheet structure;   a frame coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the sheet structure and adapted to secure the sheet structure to a building structure; and   a thermal energy collection system including a thermal tubing structure configured to circulate a liquid, and a heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the liquid;   wherein the visible light transmission of the sheet structure is 5% to 95%; and   wherein light transmission through the sheet structure heats the liquid.   
     
     
         13 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the visible light transmission of the sheet structure is 7% to 50%. 
     
     
         14 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the gaps are 1.0″-12.0″. 
     
     
         15 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the gaps are 1.0″-6.0″. 
     
     
         16 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the first layer and the second layer are transparent. 
     
     
         17 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the building structure includes at least one of a skylight, a façade, an atrium, a window, a portion of a roof, and a shade. 
     
     
         18 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells are encapsulated between the first and second layers. 
     
     
         19 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the building structure includes at least one of a skylight, a façade, an atrium, a window, a portion of a roof, and a shade. 
     
     
         20 . The power generating system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells are encapsulated between the first and second layers.